Being a Godly Example…Others Are Watching

As a professing Christian, if you don’t already know, people who are unsaved and even saved for that matter, are watching your walk with Christ. Yep! It’s true. I know…the pressure. But the reality is that they want to know, “Are you the real deal?” and “Are you someone that I can follow to lead me to Christ?” And for others’ who have been saved for quite some time but are interested in spiritual growth, they may be watching your obedience, endurance, perseverance, how you overcome struggles and pain in your life, and how you handle your relationships, co-workers, marriage, and children. Then there are others who simply want to know how to experience your joy, excitement, peace, love, and drive to want to stay in love with Christ (and we know that this is through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us). But no matter where you are, someone is watching your walk.

1Timothy 4:16 says, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.” As Christians, we have a daily responsibility to not only live this life ourselves, but to also teach it to others by example. Keep in mind that in this Christian life, we are always on. Our character is on display whether we are at home, church, work, school, or in the community, people are trying to follow a godly example, not a bad one.

On a personal note, I’ll never forget when I was 13 years old, I had a friend who introduced me to Christianity on a peer level. She was awesome! However, her mother and father went to church, but I noticed that her mom was really mean. And I noticed that her parents were very distant with each other. This left a lasting impression on me as a young teenager growing in the faith. That experience taught me to be mindful of my own life around my children’s friends. Because if they see me one way in church and another way at home, that sends mixed signals to them…even as children growing in the Lord. So this reflection made me very conscious and aware of my own personal walk with God. People want to follow someone who is not only talking the word, but living it in action. That’s being a light! But let’s take a closer look and guess who’s trying to follow our footsteps today…

Co-workers, classmates, or friends - During lunch, coffee, or water breaks, they’re listening to your conversation. Are your words carnal? Do you laugh at coarse jokes or speak negatively around them? Or is it positive, life-giving, and without complaint?

Fellow church members – Are you changing? Are you showing love, practicing self-control, being obedient to leadership, living the word, and serving in the area that God has called you to serve? Or are you a gossip, slanderer, rebel, or slothful servant?

Spouse – Are you submissive, respectful, and loving? Or do you side with the world and boss your husband around and wear the pants in the house?

Children – Are you loving, patient, and nurturing? Or do you scream all the time, and do they see you one way in church, but another way at home? Are you a positive mom or a negative one?

The list can go on and on, but the point is that we need to examine ourselves to see what type of light we are reflecting to others from the inside out; because believe it or not, people are watching our walk. Granted, we're all a work in progress, but we still must keep in mind that we could be the first true Christian example they meet. Jesus said in Matthew 5:15-16, “Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Shine bright!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

***Don’t forget to JOIN me for “Let’s Talk” TOMORROW NIGHT, Tuesday, July 5th @ 8:30pm (CST). It’s called, “Moms in Ministry.” SAVE THE DATE & TIME & join me LIVE on my Inside Out with Courtnaye Facebook Page or call in @ 218-936-3436, Code: 12345#. Like the Page and I’ll talk to you soon!

Also, my NEW book is scheduled to release August 1st!!!! It’s entitled, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” I’m pumped and I want you to GRAB it! PRE-BUY it today @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/identified! And share, share, share (tell other women too!). Thanks sis!

*If Inside Out with Courtnaye is helping you, share it with other women you know. Invite your friends and family by sharing, tweeting, and hitting the “LIKE” button on my Facebook page! If you have any questions or need advice about something, feel free to email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com or leave a comment to let me know how this post has helped you in some way. Thanks in advance and just know that Inside Out with Courtnaye is all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming soon! Love you sis!

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Courtnaye Richard is a Christian blogger, author, and minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye – a ministry designed to help women grow stronger in their walk with the Lord from a biblical and practical perspective, live out their life purpose, while also preparing them to be ready for the soon return of Jesus Christ. She’s all about real life, real talk, and real faith! She reaches thousands of women through blogging, but also ministers through devotionals, videos, audio messages, social media, speaking engagements, and her monthly “LIVE” chat on 1st Tuesdays of each month entitled, “Let’s Talk.“ She resides in the Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, TX) with her husband and three children.